the CHAMP

History of CHRIST THE KING COLLEGE Revisited

Carl Jamie Simple S. Bordeos

CKC Research and Human Development Center

Introduction

Little information was told about the Christ the King College in Calbayog City, Samar, or little information was written about the ‘oldest’ Educational Institution in the Eastern Visayas Region.

The establishment of Colegio Catolico¹ in the pueblo of Calbayog in 1905 must have helped in the making of the pueblo into a Diocese on April 10, 1910. Actually, Rome has chosen Palo, Leyte, to be the seat of the new diocese because the Jesuit Christianization and Evangelization thrust began in Leyte in 1595. But the good bishop, Pablo Singzon, has petitioned Rome that Calbayog would be most preferable since the pueblo was also a large commercial center.

This study is so far the most extensive history to be written about this venerable college for this includes the list of Directors and/or Presidents who had served the college from 1905 up to the present times.

Information on this particular study where mostly taken from the unpublished writings of the late Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM, who was assigned at CKC in 1959-1970. It is hoped that with this revisiting, it will spark a new sense of attachment to the CKC’s past and its achievements in order to have a clear vision for the future of Christ the King College.

Foundation and Early Years

The idea of founding a Catholic school in Calbayog, Samar, had its origin, in the early days of 1905, from a group of principales² (prominent men) who were staunch supporters of education, and they were: Buenaventura Rosales, Pablo Camilon, Honorio Rosales (Deputado de La Primera Assemblea), Dr. Tomas Gomez, Hugo Rosales, Juan Trani, Victoria Lentejas and George Curry, then the Governor of Samar, who gave his enthusiastic approval

When definite plans were agreed upon by these illustrious gentlemen, they took it next to Monsignor Jose Diaznes, then the parish priest of the pueblo. They kindly requested the Monsignor to submit their petition for the approval of the Bishop of Cebu.

At this particular time, Calbayog was not a diocese and it fell under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Cebu. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Thomas A. Hendrick, Cebu’s first American Bishop, praised the idea and gave his hearty approval. He also sent his Vicar General, Msgr. Pablo Singzon, to Calbayog to look into the feasibility of the request. Bishop Hendrick arrived from New York and became Bishop on March 6, 1904³.

In granting for his official approval, however, he made one condition: that the Directors of the proposed colegio would be the Franciscans who labored untiringly and zealously in winning souls for Christ and spreading the Gospel in Samar and Leyte. A quotation from an old source of 1912 would shed light on this matter:

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“El Illmo. Sr. Obispo (D. Tomas A. Hendrick) a accedio gustoso a lo solicitado, en oficio expedido el 17 de Marzo (1905); mas poniendo una condicion, a saber: que fueran Directores del Colegio los PP. Franciscanos, ya que a ellos les habia cabido la gloria de esparcir por estas Islas la semilla evangelica”.4

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It was Msgr. Singzon who was urging the good bishop to select the Franciscans. It was believed that Msgr. Singzon was baptized by the Franciscans in Calbiga, Samar, who later became a Franciscan Tertiary. But the simple request of having the Franciscans to direct the proposed colegio was rejected by the previously cited group of men. To quote:

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Establishment of the Colegio Catolico

Instead of the Franciscans, the Paulist Fathers were then chosen to direct and administer the Colegio Catolico. That’s why, on August 1, 1905, two Paulist Fathers, Gregorio Tabar, CM, and Fernando Sainz, CM, arrived in Calbayog from Cebu. They were accompanied by Vicar General Singzon and the Rector of San Carlos Diocesan Seminary, Don Pedro Julia, CM. They were all received graciously and enthusiastically by Calbayognons.

On September 10, 1905, Colegio Catolico was solemnly inaugurated and opened as a “primary-secondary school” using the Spanish-based curriculum of similar schools in Manila at that time. The colegio was the only Catholic school in Samar and Leyte.

Calbayog as the New Seat of Diocese

When Calbayog was created a Diocese and was separated from the Diocese of Cebu on April 10, 1910 because of the Novas erigere Dioceses decree of Pope Pius X, Calbayog was chosen to be the sede (seat) of the Diocese.6

Rome actually chose Palo, Leyte, to be the seat of the new Diocese because the Jesuit Christianization and Evangelization began there in 1595. But the Bishop-elect Singzon petitioned Rome that Calbayog would be most preferable among the pueblos in Samar and Leyte since it was a large commercial center. Also, it was believed that the presence of a catholic school in Calbayog also helped in the making of Calbayog Diocese. Because of these reasons, Calbayog has earned the approval of Rome.

On July 14, 1910, the day of installation as the new Bishop of Calbayog, Bishop Singzon announced the establishment of a seminary attaching it to the colegio for the education of future priests.

Colegio Catolico was renamed Colegio de Seminario de Calbayog

The administration, which was under the guidance of Bishop Singzon, the first Bishop of Calbayog, changed the name of Colegio Catolico to Colegio de Seminario de Calbayog.7 The reason for changing the colegio’s name was the fact that a seminary department was added.

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“… con la creacion de la Diocesis de Calbayog, convertido en Seminario Conciliar el 1910 con arreglo a las prescripciones del Concilio de Trento, sin dejar de ser como hasta entonces Colegio de Segunda ensananza”.

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Confirmed and formally legislated at the first Diocesan Synod the following year, the Colegio de Seminario de Calbayog started admitting seminarians. Also, the college and seminary was approved by the government and was incorporated into the University of Santo Tomas on April 7, 1911.

From then on, the Colegio de Seminario offered a course in Bachillerato (Bachelor of Arts) for those preparing for Theology. In 1911, it offered courses in Bookkeeping, Liberal Arts, and Theology.

This time the Colegio de Seminario had an enrolment of around 200 students in 1913.8

Glorias de Calbayog

The Colegio de Seminario was among the main contributions of the Church to Calbayog. Actually, a series of articles in the Eco de Samar y Leyte issues of 1911 include the institution among the three ‘Glorias de Calbayog.’

Bishop Sofronio Hacbang succeeded Bishop Singzon

In 1919, His Excellency Bishop Sofronio Hacbang succeeded Bishop Singzon. Then the Apostolic Administrator, he effected the construction of a new extension building next to the Colegio de Seminario (connected by a bridge to the ‘new convent’) for the purpose of housing the seminarians who took the same courses as the colegiales but with additional subjects required by Canon Law.

Separation of Seminario from the Colegio

Pope Pius XI issued a decree that all seminarians should live together and study separated from lay students in 1923. This led to the construction of a new building on the outskirts of the town. Bishop Hacbang, who was appointed as Ordinary of the Diocese on February 22, 1923, carried this task.

Then in 1924, in compliance with the norms of the Holy See, the Seminary was completely separated from the Colegio. The Paules concentrated their work in the Seminario giving the Colegio under the administration of the Diocesan Priests.

Colegio renamed Colegio de San Vicente de Paulo (CSVP) 9

Father Gabriel Vaquero, CM, one of the Paulist Fathers, was appointed by Bishop Hacbang as the first Director of the Colegio after its separation from the Seminary.10 Father Vaquero, CM, served only for two years.

In the Diocesan Catalogue of 1924 Estado General de la Diocesis de Calbayog, the Colegio de San Vicente de Paulo (CSVP) 11 had its courses fully recognized by the Government of the Philippines. This only means that CSVP was authorized to grant AB Degrees, High school Diplomas, Intermediate and Primary Certificates. AB Course was offered for five years.

The professors of CSVP listed in the Diocesan Catalogue for Parish Priests were: Rev. Gabriel Vaquero, CM, Director, Mr. Ezequiel Singzon, Principal, Mr. Pedro O. Pernito, Secretary, Mr. Delfin V. Chan, Mr. Filemon Allid, Mr. Eugenio Lola, Mr. Eulalio Mendiola and Mr. Anastacio A. Rono.

In 1926, the colegiales moved to the new building while the seminarians remained in the original building. The college eventually moved to Rawis where it remained the main educational and cultural center of Calbayog until the 1950s.

Msgr. Sofio Mandia: First Filipino Priest Director of CSVP

In 1928, Filipino Diocesan priests of Calbayog Diocese took over the administration of the CSVP while the Vincentian Fathers administered the Seminary until 1963.

Msgr. Sofio Mandia became the first Filipino Director of CSVP in 1928 that began the long line of Filipino Diocesan priests who held the same position until 1952. He was succeeded by a Fr. Gregorio Ouano, followed with Msgr. Vicente Figueroa, a certain Fr. Caintic, Fr. Alejandro Froilan, and Fr. Basilio Rosales (1938), the last appointee to the directorship of Bishop Miguel Acebedo.

In 1935, CSVP boasted of having produced 5,017 graduates, many of whom were prominent in the professions. These included Senators Jose Avelino and Decoroso Rosales; Representatives Tiburcio Tancinco, Antolin Tan and Vicente Alcazar; Governors Pedro Arteche, Felix Abriego and Mamerto Ribo.

English language & The Vincentian (1941)

The intricacy in coping up with the borrowed language was expressed by a high school student in an essay entitled “Why Speak English” published in the literary section of The Vincentian (1941), the yearbook of CSVP:

“I am convinced beyond doubt that nowadays we are neglecting the use of English in the College campus, and even in the classroom in spite of the efforts and attentions put up by our authorities while the elementary pupils are more becoming English-conscious even if they speak incorrect English in their school activities.

Our teachers have done a lot by encouraging us to speak English but we still fail, why? Because we are not accustomed to do it. The result is we do not know how to speak ‘well-polished’ English”.12

Closing of the CSVP during the World War II

In December 1941, the CSVP like other schools in the archipelago was forced to close its doors during the World War II. CSVP lost its laboratory equipments and library materials such as books.

Re-opening of the CSVP

CSVP was re-opened on July 8, 1947 under a Government permit with Reverend Basilio Rosales, Director at the outbreak of the war, resumed his administrative task.

Fr. Rosales aligned the curriculum with the requirements of the government and opened a college-level Associate of Arts (AA) course. He also introduced the Normal course, which fulfilled the requirements of the Bureau of Private Education in the school year 1948-49. Also, two vocational courses were offered: Steno-typing in 1948 and Dressmaking in 1949. In 1950-51, two additional college courses (Education and Liberal Arts) were added to the curriculum.

He also made efforts in soliciting thousands of pesos from generous people including GIs for the re-construction of CSVP buildings. The new building has its long, spacious auditorium on the second floor with a seating capacity of more than five hundred. The cost of all these efforts reached more than P 50,000.00.

Calbayog’s Performing Arts

CSVP was the hub of theatrical activities in Calbayog. One summer, Fr. Rosales invited the famous playwright Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero to hold a summer workshop in English drama. Theatre workshop students included Pepe Sekito, Gregorio Tarrayo, Alejandro Catalan, Mrs. Purita Varona, Mrs. Pilar Joel Paz Lim, and Nita Basco. They mounted the play, “Wanted Chaperon,” one of Guerrero’s original English plays.

The Vincentian Fathers produced and directed plays such as “El Gran Teatro del Mundo” 13 and “Volcan de Amores.” These productions honed the talents of Calbayognons and produced actors, playwrights, and directors. One of them was Fr. Rosales, who displayed his thespian skills in playing lead roles and also his directorial flair in Guerrero’s “Condemned.” This was first staged at the Colegio with Avelino Basco and Angeles Reyes.

CSVP faced Financial difficulties

Father Domingo Palomino succeeded Msgr. Rosales before the end of school year 1950-1951. During this time, the colegio was making a desperate attempt to survive and overcome its financial inadequacy and monetary death-blows after its buildings were badly hit by typhoons. Teachers were also resigning for lack of salaries.

In 1951-1952, Father Antonio Luto, a temporarily exclaustrated Filipino Franciscan from Laoang, Samar, assumed the office.

Salvage the colegio

In the same year of 1951, Bishops Miguel Acebedo of the Diocese of Calbayog (Samar), Lino R. Gonzaga of the Diocese of Palo (Leyte), and the Bishop of the Diocese of Dumaguete (Negros) made an appeal to the American Franciscans of Pulaski, Wisconsin, for assistance and inviting them into their respective diocese.

To be exact, Bishop Acebedo made an appeal to ‘salvage the college (colegio),’ 14 take pastor-ship in many vacant parishes and restore Franciscan presence in Samar Island as it was in 1768-1941.

The Province of St. John the Baptist in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Santa Barbara Province of California received the same requests. Thus, the Provinces brought the matter before their Definitoriums. In return, the Provincials wrote to the bishops accepting the invitation eagerly. They planned to leave for the Philippines to meet with the bishops, visit their dioceses, and assess the needs.

Fr. Theophane Kalinowski, OFM, immediately perceived the bishops’ requests as God’s call to them, the same calling to St. Francis of Assisi hundreds of years ago at San Damiano church: “Francis, go repair my house which as you see is falling completely into ruin!”

In fact, two bishops strongly pulled at the heart of Fr. Theophane: Bishops Gonzaga of Palo, Leyte, who needed Franciscans for parishes, schools, and a seminary, and Acebedo of Calbayog. 15

The provincial, Fr. Theophane, surveyed and visited both dioceses. He opted for the poorer and needier people of Calbayog and Samar. He embraced these places as the Assumption BVM Mission Foundation in mid-1952.

The Provincial Chronicle released the decision of setting up a Franciscan Mission station in the Calbayog Diocese in Samar, Philippines. There was a call for volunteers with Fathers David Wyrzykowski, OFM, and Leopold Niedzwiecki, OFM, as missioners.16

The first two Assumption BVM Fathers, with tons of cargo for the colegio, prepared for their voyage, across the Pacific Ocean to Calbayog, Samar. The thrust and mission were: (1) Catholic Youth Education; (2) Franciscan Formation; and (3) Parochial Evangelization.

The Fathers arrived on December 11, 1952. Upon their arrival they were officially received by the Ordinary of the Diocese, Bishop Acebedo, his clergy, the faculty of the CSVP, and hundreds of Calbayognons. The reception took place at the Cathedral where the bishop delivered a warm welcome and Father Wyrzykowski, OFM, responded with an equally joyful Franciscan greeting of Peace and Joy. Civic officials and Calbayognons also received with enthusiasm, joy and delight with a festive, public, civic parade throughout the streets of the city.

Father Wyrzykowski, OFM, recorded this overwhelming joy of reception in the Franciscan Chronicle: “…I couldn’t hold back a gush of emotional tears when I saw… the beautiful painted triumphal arch with ‘Mabuhay-Welcome Franciscans!’ under which we were to march” (edited).

Earlier in October, a typhoon hit through Samar and ravaged and destroyed everything in its path. The friars arrived with no place to stay except with the bishop in his palacio and certainly only temporarily. 17

However, the Mayor of Calbayog, Hon Pido, and his city officials offered the unfinished, rented hospital building for a temporary convent for the friars in 1953. 18

Father David Wyrzykowski, OFM:

First Franciscan Director

When the American Franciscans took over the administration of the CSVP, the college had a total enrolment of 775 students in the three departments. 19

Taking the responsibility of being the director, Fr. Wyrzykowski, OFM, faced the paying off heavy debts and salaries of teachers which ran into thousands of pesos.

He also envisioned a new school building and campus in the heart of the city instead along the Bagakay Beach. This was because a college along the beach was a disaster especially during typhoon season plus the air coming from the sea deteriorates the books, equipments, facilities and even the buildings. That’s why, the two Franciscans decided to relocate the CSVP in the city proper.

They quickly let out the word they need for a new site as near as possible to the town. The people rapidly put together an organization under the acronym DASCAF to search for land and funds for a new building. 20

With the invaluable assistance of Don Jose C. Gomez and the faculty of the CSVP plus the civic-spirited Calbayognons, the Franciscans were able to acquire six hectares of land situated in the eastern part of the city known as Hamorawon Hills owned by seven families. Hamorawon hills is a paddy field that needs to be elevated at least two meters or to a height of six feet.

The families of Hipolito Dira, Diosdado Dean, Leoncio Dean and Gorgonio Dean all donated freely a parcel of land, prompted with kindness and conviction that much good would be accomplished for the youth of Calbayog and Samar. Other parcel of land had to be purchased from the Yrigan, Camilon, Asis and Anacta families.

Laborers were hired while some volunteered. Musical performances were being staged and sponsored by the faculty of the CSVP to assist the Franciscans in putting up the college. The Vice Provincial Isidore Cwiklinski, OFM, 21 and the Definers of the Provincial Board and Mission Office of the Assumption BVM Province took an ardent interest in Samar mission and funded the projects heavily. American benefactors, families, relatives and friends of the Franciscans also took an active interest.

Because of these concerted efforts, teachers’ back-salaries were fully paid. Teachers who left for lack of salaries, returned. The college enrolment rose.

The accomplishments began to be recorded in the Philippine Newsletter which was circulated in the BVM Province Mission, 500 friars and benefactors in the United States. The newsletters were well-written with photos of the teachers, the CSVP, the Filipinos, and the Friars. This resulted in generous response.

By the end of 1953, three Franciscans arrived. They were Fr. George Dubowski, OFM, 22 with a Master’s Degree in History, Fr. Michael Lacienski, OFM, and Bro. Dominic Figura, OFM. 23 They arrived with several supplies: books, office equipment, machinery tools, clothing, medicines, religious articles, church vestments and church furniture, canned goods, writing tablets, school supplies.

Brother and Priest Architects and Engineers at San Carlos University in Cebu shared their expertise and gave help in planning for the college facilities. It was planned to be a wooden structure first, then later, made of concrete materials.

The Franciscans also established a good working relationship with the Chinese merchants in the city for purchasing construction materials: cement, iron rods, galvanized iron sheeting for roofing, timber, lumber, nails, which had to be shipped either from Cebu or Manila. The Franciscans could not do without the Chinese as it was expensive to do this but more feasible.

In late 1953 saw the beginnings of the framework rising. Construction continued in 1954 and mid-1955. In a year and a half (from January 1953 to October 1955) an extensive two story, elegant wooden structure was replaced with a concrete one. 24

In the school year 1954-1955, Fr. David hired 10 additional lay teachers due to the increasing student population. Fr. Leopold was appointed as the high school principal and bursar at the same time. 25

On April 14, 1955, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education course was granted the Government Recognition No. 142, Series of 1955. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Arts (with Government Recognition No. 221), and the Bachelor of Arts, BS in Mathematics and BS Biology (with Government Recognition No 222), Series of 1956 on April 26, 1956. 26

In July and early August of 1955, CVSP was moving into the new facility. Office records, library and laboratory materials which were still useful were brought.

The CHRIST THE KING COLLEGE

On October 30, 1955, the feast of Christ the King, the new administration and school building was solemnly dedicated and blessed by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Manuel del Rosario. The good Bishop Acebedo died in Palo, Leyte Seminary in a fire that completely burned him to death.

CSVP was renamed Christ the King College (CKC).27

In December 1955, two more Franciscans arrived. They were Fr. Humphrey Tobias, OFM, who had a Master’s Degree from Cornell University in New York, and Bro. Victorian Wisniewski, OFM, with incredible skills as builder/engineer.

This time the upper portion of CKC was utilized as temporary quarters of some Franciscans while plans were in the making for the construction of another facility: the Friary.

With the expertise of Bro. Wisniewski, OFM, and at the pleasure of Father David, another large area of the paddy field was filled in and ready for construction. The planned Friary was two-storey edifice and made of wood.

Enrolment in elementary, high school, and college began growing and rising fast.

In 1956, Fr. Flavian Nowatarski, OFM, was added to the Calbayog Franciscan community.

In early 1957, the Friary complex was completed and ready for occupancy. In December of the same year, Fr. Eugene Kwiatkowski, OFM, and Fr. Neal Kaminski, OFM, arrived in the city. Fr. Kwiatkowski, OFM, would become Professor of CKC while Fr. Kaminski, OFM, Rector of the Minor Seminary.

In mid-1957, Fr. Michael Lacienski, OFM, has decided to have a home-leave after his four-year stay in the college. Fr. Leopold, OFM, who ministered as pastor in Tinambacan left along with Fr. Lacienski, OFM. The photos of the Franciscan’s early years in Calbayog was taken by Fr. Lacienski, OFM.

Father Humphrey Tobias, OFM, succeeded Father Wyrzykowski, OFM, as Director. Confronted with some difficulties and exhaustion, Fr. Wyrzykowski, OFM, decided to leave Samar for his US home-visit. He bade a tearful farewell to the Friars and all beloved Samareños, never aware that he would never return to this place, his dearest first love.

Also, upon Fr. Wyrzykowski’s departure for States, Father George Dubowski assumed leadership as Franciscan Mission Superior of the Assumption Province Mission Foundation. It was under Fr. Dubowski, OFM, that CKC has a large, spacious Friary, Padua Technical Building, College Canteen, modern rest room facilities, library center, music rooms, carpentry and automotive workshops.

During the administration of Fr. Tobias, OFM, that the faculty was stabilized, and achieved permanency.

Calbayog Bishop frequently Visits CKC

Bishop Manuel del Rosario frequently walked over from his residence to CKC to see its progress and to spend time with the friars. The Diocesan clergy also visited the college.

In 1958, three more friars arrived: Bro. Tom Kamenski, OFM, Fr. Terrence Pinkowski, OFM, and Bro. Gene Wegner, OFM. They voyaged on a cargo-vessel which caught fire not far from the Hawaiian Islands. The ship head for Honolulu where an attempt to water the holes keep the ship cool. In December 1958, Fr. Julian Arent, OFM, arrived in Calbayog.

Fr. Pinkowski, OFM, was assigned as Principal of CKC High School; Bro. Kamenski, OFM, was Electrical Engineer; and Bro. Wegner, OFM, was assigned to Tinambacan parish.

An electrical generating plant has been planned by Bro. Kamenski, OFM, for the entire campus with connections to the City Electrical distribution. The college canteen has been expanded with kitchen facilities and full working staff. The Friary has an underground storage of rainwater from its rooftop. This stored rain water was then pumped into large storage tanks for bathroom, drinking and kitchen use. Restroom facilities were improved and rebuilt. A new two storey edifice on the campus was planned.

In 1959, all friar-priests have rotation in celebrating the liturgy for college, high school, and elementary students at the Cathedral.

Each Friar-Professor usually carried three daily hours and three subjects. Later a fourth subject was added with the addition of Theology I-IV.

Outings: Casual Gathering of CKC Students, Faculty and Friars

During Saturday or Sunday, students and faculty invited the Franciscans for an outing. They would bring foods and drinks. They would sing, dance, or sometimes discuss education matters. This non-campus interaction helped the Franciscans to focus more on the educational thrusts toward faculty’s and students’ needs, preferences, and aspirations. It was from these casual gatherings that Franciscans have learned their constituents’ values and attitudes. That’s why, American Franciscans understood, appreciated and valued much the culture and history of the Filipinos.

Christian Atmosphere at CKC campus

The entire campus was saturated with a Christian atmosphere. At every level, a brief prayer was led by a teacher before the class session and at its conclusion. Filipino friars would sing the ‘Godzinki’ in Samarnon language. Mr. Gomez did the Godzinki’s translation. Also, each would greet one with ‘Hail Mary’ or ‘Ave Maria’. Then, the one greeted will respond with ‘Full of Grace!’ or ‘Gratia Plena.! At six pm, everyone would stop, even those in the classrooms, to pray for the Angelus. At eight in the evening, everyone would recite the ‘Animas,’ a brief prayer for all the decease.

CKC High School Boys study better

In Calbayog, there was an all girls academy, the La Milagrosa Academy, operated by the Franciscan Dominican Sisters. Most of the girls were eager to join CKC High School Department. Hard to believe but this move spurred the CKC male students to study better when pitted with the female students.

A Night to Remember: the Grand Welcome to Two Franciscans

In 1960, Fathers Walter Kitowski and Benignus Herman arrived and were greeted by the Friars, students and faculty from the three departments. This was a grand welcome, the one that can never be experienced anyone in the States. Truly, it was a ‘night to remember!’

1960 Typhoon in Samar

On October 4, the solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi, a vicious typhoon with extremely strong winds and heavy rains battered Samar for three days.

The city power generators and electrical posts were the first to suffer extreme damage. All nipa houses along the seashore were completely leveled. Coconut trees were sheared and uprooted including other plants such as abaca, papaya, coffee shrubs, fruit trees, and banana stalks.

Calbayognons flooded into CKC’s college buildings for shelter. The entire CKC Faculty gathered to cook food.

Classes were also postponed for two days for the cleaning up of the college campus.

Completion of Padua Building

Father George Dubowski, OFM, had directed and brought to completion an excellent, strongly-built edifice for the college, the Padua Technical Building. It has a spacious library, classrooms, Automotive Instructional facilities (under Bro. Tom Kamenski, OFM), living quarters for the Rector and Seminarians, and a dark room for printing photos.

Commodore Zimmerman and American Consul visits CKC

On January 30, 1963, Commodore Zimmerman, USN, and Hon. Lyle F. Lane, American Consul in Cebu, came to Calbayog City to make an arrangement for USN Mine Sweeper Fleet. They paid courtesy visits to CKC, Mayor Jose Roño and City Officials, and to Bishop Cipriano Urgel.

All CKC Departments prepared a Cultural Presentation to entertain the guests with festive and sumptuous food. They were all welcomed by the CKC Director.

When Father Tobias, OFM, returned to the States, Fr. Benignus Herman was appointed CKC Director in June 1963. Father Humphrey Tobias, OFM, who directed the college since 1957 to 1963 decided to return to the States. He has made a contribution to the college as Professor and Director. Later, Bro. Kamenski, OFM, also left Calbayog on April 1964 who deserved a deep gratitude for his masterful services to the mission in Samar for five and a half years.

CKC Directors’ great compassion for CKC Graduates

When Bro. Anthony Ganzar, OFM, assumed as Bursar of the college, Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM, suggested a review of the college’s financial status to be brought before the Mission Superior and Councilors. It was revealed that CKC graduates, since 1953, owed for their tuition amounting to P250,000.

The College Directors, with great compassion and mercy, released the graduates’ Academic Records so that they will be accepted for teaching positions in public schools. Graduates have promised to pay back upon landing a job but nothing was repaid. The CKC graduates (those with degrees in BS Education) were assigned in remote places of Samar island.

BVM Mission Council disclosed to all CKC constituents the financial difficulties of not able to pay the salaries of teachers and laborers. Fr. Basilio Rosales, OFM, offered to collect the financial obligations of the graduates.

On the other hand, the Franciscans and Councilors felt that pressure would antagonize the graduates. That’s why, the Franciscans turned to the Provincial in Pulaski, Wisconsin, for assistance. The Assumption BVM responded graciously.

Fr. Hugh Zurat, OFM, arrived on December 30, 1963.

Visit of the Provincial to CKC

During this year, Provincial Remigius Steczkowski, OFM, visited CKC in June or July 1964. But he spent much of his time with the Franciscans, and was not able to spend greater time with the college faculty and city officials because he has an illness after his short stay in Manila.

New classrooms were being added facing the planned College Chapel.

Bro. Dominic Figura, OFM, returned to US in mid-1964. He did marvelous job carpentry for the entire college complex, was remembered for his great concern for the poor and needy and he spent much of his time in the chapel.

In December 1964, Fr. Damase “Jerry” Zawada, OFM, who later, taught in the college after he was assigned for six months in San Isidro to learn the Samarnon dialect, and Fr. Matthias Niedzwiecki, OFM, arrived in Calbayog.

In 1965, the island of Samar still did not have a passable road at this time.

In July 1965, Fr. Terrence Pinkowski, OFM, left CKC for his home visit. He was an excellent Professor and Principal of the High School Department, a kind, gentle and friendly Franciscan.

Fr. Laurian Janicki, OFM, and Bro. Ambrose Lee, OFM, arrived in December 1965.

US Ambassador’s visits CKC

Hon. Wm McCormick Blair, US Ambassador to the Philippines, and party were welcomed by the Calbayog Officials, Franciscans, CKC Faculty, and Bishop Urgel on February 2, 1966.

All CKC departments prepared a Gala Fiesta of Philippine Music & Dances with sumptuous Filipino dishes for all the guests, church dignitaries, city officials and visitors.

In April 1966, Fr. Norberto Pieraccini, OFM, Canonical Visitator in Hong Kong, arrived in the city. He paid a visit to learn about the Franciscan Mission in Samar. Plus the Franciscans were required to submit reports to the Franciscan Curia in Rome. He was described by Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM, as a delightful friar and an expert diplomat of the Church.

Completion of the College Auditorium & the Alcina Project

It was under the directorship of Fr. Humphrey that the construction of the College Chapel was begun in November 1961 and was finished on October 4, 1964. The auditorium was originally planned as the College Chapel.

Earlier in May 1965, Fr. Kobak, OFM, learned about an important discovery of a rare Alzina 1668 Manuscript in seven volumes. He began gathering all of its contents. It was during his vacant time that he began searching intensively for the local history of Samar and Leyte towns, Bisayan poetry, dictionaries, ancient poetic chants on the Passion of Christ rendered during Holy Week, Samarnon-Lineyte publications like the Calbayog Diocesan Monthly which was initiated in 1910 and ancient practices.

There was a dearth of materials on the local history of Samar and Leyte, that’s why, Fr. Kobak, OFM, would gather and compile the printed Towns’ Fiesta programs.

Learning that the San Carlos University in Cebu had preliminary copies of the Alcina manuscript, he contacted Fr. Baumgartner, SVD, then head librarian of the university, to let him borrow two volumes which Fr. Kobak, OFM, re-typed it. He also went to the said university after receiving the permission to photocopy the other two volumes of Part 1 of the Alcina manuscript.

He also turned to the Jesuit Central Archives in Rome for the Jesuit Triennial Reports of those assigned in various stations in Samar and Leyte islands from 1581-1768. This was already in mid-June of 1967. Fr. Josephus Calas Teschitel, SJ, was extremely generous in supplying him the documents. But that was the last documents that he received from the Jesuits since the next archivist after Fr. Teschitel, SJ, reserved all the documents for the Jesuits only.

He also wrote to the Spanish Franciscan Archives (Archivo de Pastrana) in Guadalajara. This effort yielded 534 pages of the manuscripts; most of it in microfilm from which enlarged and printed photos were made at CKC Photographic Darkroom.

Fr. Kobak, OFM, also requested the Biblioteca de Palacio in Madrid, Spain, where the original Alcina manuscript was preserved. He sought assistance from Fr. Apolinar Pastrana, OFM, who acquired the microfilm of Alzina’s Part One, entire Book 2. It was composed of 30 chapters and 276 pages. He received this on December 15, 1967, which he considered it as an early, precious Christmas gift to him.

Another Typhoon in Samar

On November 3, 1967, another treacherous typhoon struck Samar and left some homes, public schools and buildings damaged.

Most of the CKC buildings were more solidly constructed and withstood the damage. The rains went on for three days and forced thousands of Calbayognons to seek shelter in CKC buildings. All were welcomed but the Franciscans pleaded that sanitation be strictly upheld.

Electrical power was completely devastated but generators of the college manage to operate notwithstanding the wind and the heavy rains. All faculty members of the college brought in rice, chickens and other foods.

Founding of Leyte Samar Museum & Leyte Samar Studies

Fr. Kobak, OFM, had the opportunity of collaborating with Fr. Anthony Buchcik, SVD, of the Divine Word University in Tacloban, Leyte in founding the Leyte Samar Museum and a quarterly publication Leyte-Samar Studies, the graduate school publication of DWU, where Fr. Kobak contributed articles. Together, they did some archaelogical expedition to the Suhoton Cave in Samar.

Fr. Kobak, OFM, assumed as Interim Director of the college after Fr. Benignus Herman, OFM, left for US for a vacation in March 1968.

CKC Archaeological Museum was established

In the same year, several Samar Public School teachers brought Fr. Kobak, OFM, some archaeological artifacts recovered from an ancient site near Gandara, Samar (Bangajon was the ancient name of Gandara): six earthenware and stoneware jars with human remains. This led to a search of ancient Samar burial sites as documented by Fr. Alcina in his Historia 1668.

During college semestral breaks, Fr. Kobak, OFM, would bring some of his students and a team of Samareños for a search of ancient burial sites. They did archaeological excavations in the Islets of Capul, San Antonio, Samputan, Lawang, Batag and Kahayagan in Northern Samar; and Islets of Tubabao facing the town of Oras, and of Divinubo (Eastern Samar). A rich collection was gathered and identified by his three American friend Archaeologists. This led to the establishment of now defunct Christ the King College Archaeological Museum in 1969.

Visit of the US Ambassador

The US Ambassador to the Philippines, Mennen Williams, his wife, and staff arrived in Calbayog on February 20, 1969 through Philippine Airlines. Fr. Kobak, OFM, and Fr. Rosales greeted and welcomed the Ambassador and his party. Their arrival was mainly to visit the Franciscans and CKC. Also, the ambassador’s wife was particularly interested at CKC Archaeological Museum that was still under construction.

A Welcome Party was prepared and this was attended by the Friars, Faculty, Seminarians, all CKC departments, the Mayor and his wife, and city officials in the CKC Auditorium.

The Ambassador also spent some of his time talking with the Friars in the Friary Recreation. He and his party were deeply elated with the presence of the Franciscans in the island, plus the education of future teachers for the public school system in the prestigious, expanding CKC.

The museum was completed in that same year which was located at the Padua Building, below the CKC library.

Fr. Zurat as CKC Director and Friary Superior

When Fr. Kobak, OFM, ended his term as Guardian/Superior of CKC Friary in June 1969, the Provincial, Fr. Dacian Bluma, OFM, and Definers of the Assumption Province have appointed Fr. Hugh Zurat, OFM, both as Director and Friary Superior. Previously, the two positions were separated. The Guardian had the responsibility for all the properties and construction in the campus. The move was made to give the Director of the college more power over the Physical expansion as academic needs arose.

In October 1969, Fr. Kobak was invited to join the Spanish Franciscan community at Sanctuario de San Antonio at Forbes Park, Makati. He served CKC until January 20, 1970.

Theater was still alive at CKC

During this time, theater was still alive, expanded, experimented, and nurtured by the schools. Mr. Angelo Consunji ventured into direction of English dramas like “Frederick the Crusader,” a Moors-Christian tale of poetry form. In the same genre, “The Daughters of Mohammed” was also staged in commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of ­CSVP-CKC. Cosme Sekito, Ading Cano-Lim, Fulgencia Advincula-Tancinco, Francisca Palermo-Santos (former Vice President for Academics of CKC), Dikoy Dean, Budoy Yabao, and Leonardo Salurio were among the CKC’s thespians.

The performing arts flourished at CKC. The Franciscan fathers, led by Fr. Hugh Zurat, OFM, organized Playhouse 21 as CKC’s theater group under the artistic guidance of Gregorio Tarrayo and Minadora Magbutay. Fr. Hugh enthusiastically worked with Minadora Magbutay, Pio Santos and Francisca Santos. The cast of The Question Mark were Ms. Magbutay, Mrs. Palermo-Santos, and Lydia Ybañez.

More plays were produced, including “The Woman,” “Little Miss Maria” (directed by Nimfa Petilla), and “Conflict” (with Cesar Samantela in the lead). “Twelve Angry Men” with an all-male cast directed by a woman, Ms. Minadora Magbutay, who was considered a feat. Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero wrote an original play, “The Best Way,” which was partly inspired by Mr. Gregorio Tarrayo’s life story.

Destructive Fire in 1972

On February 20, 1972, a destructive fire wiped out the entire building, where photos from the Friars’ arrival in December 1952 up to 1970 completely lost. Fr. Kobak, OFM duplicated all the college records from the Philippine Bureau of Education in Manila.

Fr. Hugh Zurat continued as Director until 1973 when he left for Manila for higher studies.

Father Ramon Isaac, OFM, was the first Filipino Franciscan Director of the college, who was hailed from Guaian, Eastern Samar.

BVM Province donates CKC to Filipino Franciscans

In August 14, 1973, the American Franciscan Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who were the owners and administrators until that time, donated the whole Samar Foundation to the Filipino Franciscan Vicariate of St Gregory the Great of the Philippines. The assessed market value of the property received alone amounted to P897, 067.66.

In 1973, the Elementary Laboratory was temporarily closed to provide more rooms for the high school and college students.

In 1975, Fr. Ramon Isaac, OFM, was appointed as the first Filipino Franciscan Director of the College in line with the Filipinization policy of the government. Fr. Laurian Janicki, OFM, was the last American Director.

On the other hand, Fr. Ramon, however, had served the college in a very short time for he died in his sleep during the summer of that year.

In 1976, the school canteen was constructed from funds provided again by the Assumption Province. That year, the College was given the go signal to offer Commerce course.

In August, 1977, CKC celebrated the Silver Foundation Anniversary of the American Province’s presence in the island of Samar. Its city-wide celebration was indicative of CKC’s positive contribution to the city of Calbayog serving the educational needs of the area.

In 1978, the Elementary School was reopened using the Monastery Building as temporary venue for classes. Mrs. Francisca Santos was appointed Principal of the said department.

In 1979, began the construction of the Julio Cardinal Rosales Technical Education Center, a two-floor semi-permanent building with eight well-equipped shops in the ground floor and ten lecture rooms on the second floor. The center was dedicated in honor of the late Cardinal Rosales on the occasion of his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee. Funds for the construction came from the German Bishops of Cologne, Germany, and from the SOS International of Innsbruck, Austria.

In the school year 1979-1980, CKC had its new and third Filipino Director, Fr. Rodrigo P. San Jose, OFM.

The Elementary Department was transferred to its new and beautiful location in Barangay Dagum in SY 1980-1981. On the day, a new name was added to it – Hermann Gmeiner Elementary School in honor of that great man and founder of the SOS Children’s Village all over the world.

The following school year 1981-1982, the College of Law was opened. Four years later, the College had its first law graduates. Engr. Oscar Hugo passed the bar and he became the first lawyer produced by CKC.

The Graduate School was established in 1982-1983. During the 1985-1986, it had its first graduates. Mrs. Natividad Serrano became the first full-pledged MA graduate of CKC. Incidentally, she was also a member of Class 1955, the first batch of CKC graduates.

Activism

When the country was under Martial Law, only a few were writing poetry to voice out the surging activism sweeping in the country. Mr. Boi Nicolasora wrote Hadki an Tuna in 1975 with this stanza:

Hadki an tuna nga imo natawhan

Nga diin sa dugo ginsaribuhan

Tikang pa san katigurangan

Tuna nga natawhan kamamatyan.

Musicales at CKC

After the English dramas, came the musicales which featured “Maytime” (a CKC all-teacher cast directed by Greg Montallana), “Kahiaraan” (a collaborative work of Jose Gomez, Ms. Magbutay and Flor Salazar), the Broadway musical “Fiddler on the Roof” by Fr. Laurian Janicki, OFM (then Director of the CKC Student Service Center and Regional Supervisor for Samar and Leyte), “Brigadoon” (with Alan Diomangay and Eddie Tibo leading a numerous cast), “Jesus Christ the Superstar” (with Nonoy Zuñiga in the lead), “Calendar in Rhythm” (directed by Fr. Rodrigo San Jose, OFM).

CKC in 39^th place

In 1991, the College was given Government Recognition No. 07, Series 1991, on its new course, the Accountancy.

In 1996-1997, the Institute of Health Allied Programs, the two-year Midwifery and two-year Nursing Aide, were opened.

In 2000-2001, the Philippine Regulation Commission issued a list of 174 Catholic Colleges and Universities with high passing marks in between the years 1994-1998. CKC ranked 39^th place. This is a remarkable feat for a small provincial college.

CKC celebrated its 50^th Anniversary last November 24, 2002. The thanksgiving mass of CKC Golden Anniversary was presided by the Very Reverend Bishop Jose S. Palma at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. The entire CKC community was thankful for the continued guidance and direction for CKC in the last 50 years.

THE CAJES ADMINISTRATION (2004-2008)

On June 2, 2004, Fr. Prisco A. Cajes, OFM, succeeded Fr. Rodrigo San Jose, OFM, as the next College President and at the same time, he served as the Centennial President when CKC celebrated its 100^th Years in 2005.

The installation held at the CKC Chapel at exactly 8 in the morning, and this was attended by all employees, teachers, administrators and maintenance personnel. City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bishop Msgr. Jose Palma, and DepEd Superintendent Dr. Leoncio Macatimpag, CESO, also graced this affair.

Significant Offices

He spearheaded many developmental changes in the institution. Under his office, there are four significant offices: CKC Resource and Development Office (CReDO) for income generation purposes intended for the improvement of school facilities;Research and Human Development Center (RHDC), the research arm of the college; TESDA-TVET for the technical-vocational programs; and the CSVP-CKC Alumni Office.

CKC Deaf High School

In June 2004, CKC opened the CKC Deaf High School. This was done in cooperation with Fr. Hozo Sato, OFM, the Director of the Philippine St. Francis of Assisi Deaf Center. CKC’s was the first Deaf High School in the province of Samar.

On the same year, deaf students were admitted in the college with three pioneering deaf students (two took up AB English Language and one AB Political Science). Two years after, the Deaf Kinder and Nursery classes were also opened.

OLPHI

The improvement of the college is a continuing concern that includes the construction of the Our Lady of Porziuncula Hospital, Inc. (OLPHI). On this realm, CKC, being tied up with OLPHI, adds its relevance to the community by establishing a health institution that would address to the demands by offering an eighty-bed capacity that would cater to the secondary and even tertiary care of the people. OLPHI is the only private hospital located at the center of the city.

San Damiano Friary razed by Fire

The San Damiano House, the friary/monastery of the Franciscans Fathers, was razed by fire on Monday, September 13, 2004. San Damiano House was the oldest building in the college at that time.

The fire started at 11:30 am and ended at around 2:05 pm. The estimated damage was 7 million. Firemen from Sta. Margarita and Calbayog City came to the rescue but unfortunately, the building was leveled to the ground for it was mostly made of wood.

The Centennial Celebration

On June 3, 2005, was the official launching of the CSVP-CKC Centennial Celebration with the countdown of “A Hundred Days to the 100^th Year”.

On September 10, CKC was on a very festive mood as the CKC community commemorated its First 100 Years with the theme: Protecting the Gains of the Past; Accelerating the Performance of the Present, to achieve the Vision of Tomorrow.

On this historic day, “Pamukao” (Diana) was done at 4:00 am; Launching of the 100 Stick Rockets; Thanksgiving Pontifical Mass at 7:30 am with then Bishop Jose Palma as celebrant; Parade; Unveiling of the Centennial Marker and laying of Time Capsule; Release of 100 balloons; and the Centennial Dinner & Dance.

On September 20 was the Cultural Night “CSVP-CKC: Noon, Ngayon at Bukas”.

On November 19 was the Coronation Night and Ball for Mr. Joselito Gelera Capetillo Jr. and Ms. Alyssa Danica Rae Rueda as Mr. and Ms. CSVP-CKC Centennial.

On the following day, November 20 was a Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King and parade for the Most Popular Centennial Matron and Consort.

On December 17 was a tribute to CKC Teachers and Personnel and on December 30 was the Centennial Grand Alumni Homecoming.

The CKC Centennial Celebration was officially closed with the Centennial Graduation Exercises and a Dental and Medical Outreach Activity.

‘Pahalipay’

Pahalipay, a gift-giving to the selected indigent families in the city was done on the afternoon of February 25, 2006, which was originally scheduled on February 14. The beneficiaries were the 135 indigent families of Brgy. Bagacay, 70 families from Brgy. Rawis, 100 families from Brgy. Payahan, and 50 families from Brgy. Carmen.

Each “Bundle of Joy” contained 2 kilos of rice, ½ kilo of sugar, 1 laundry bar soap, 1 can sardines, and 2 packs of noodles. This was sponsored by the Faculty from the College, High school and Elementary departments as well as the Student Body Organization, High School Students Supreme Government, and College Student Supreme Council.

After the gift-giving, a merienda y cena was served to everyone at the beach house at the GRANEX area. This merienda y cena was made possible through the contribution of the teachers.

‘Bigay-Puso’

An amount of P10,000.00 was earmarked by the Centennial Committee for the Charity Project Bigay-Puso. However, the project was preempted by the calamity that struck the entire community of Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, in Leyte, when it was buried by mudslide. The head, Dr. Francisca P. Santos, and its members decided to divert the fund intended for the project. That’s why, on February 21, 2006, school representatives went to the disaster area to personally hand the donation. The amount was received by the OSF Franciscan sisters in St. Bernard town.

The College of Nursing

The BS Nursing program which received its full government recognition in 2006-2007 has already produced its first batch of graduates with more than fifty percent of them passed the Nursing Licensure Examination last December 2007.

Accreditation Efforts

CKC also pursues accreditation for some of its programs. It currently applies for accreditation of IQUAME (Institutional Quality Assurance through Monitoring and Evaluation). This move prepares CKC’s dream of becoming a university in the future.

A Wedding to Remember

Last November 2008, a Golden Wedding Anniversary was celebrated at CKC. Two of the pillars and of the oldest–serving employees of CKC, Mr. Pio Santos and Mrs. Francisca Palermo-Santos, then VP for Academics, celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary at this small chapel of the college. This shows how loyal the two of them to CKC.

DEDICATION

Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM: Great Bisayan Scholar and Researcher

A man had dedicated all his life to God and His people. This short space provided for this man is not enough to show how great he was and how grateful we were to him. He researched much of the Bisayan’s past and culture (for the Samar, the Samar’s), did some archaeological excavations, and preserved much of the Samar’s cultural heritage by founding the CKC Museum.

He died before his researches got published. Below are proofs why he deserves to be called as the Great Bisayan Scholar and Researcher:

1. He co-authored the History of the Bisayan People in the Philippine Islands with Fr. Lucio Gutierrez, OP, of the University of Santo Tomas. This was a translation of the “Historia de los indios de Bisayas… 1668” of Ignacio Francisco Alcina;
2. The Colonial Odyssey of Leyte (1521-1914) won National Book Award for Translation in 2006 by Manila Critics Circle. He co-authored it with Prof. Rolando O. Borrinaga of UP Manila School of Health Sciences. This was a translation of “Reseña de la Provincia de Leyte” of Manuel Artigas y Cuerva;
3. Most of his researches were used as references for the Calbayog Coffee-table Book. This is one legacy of Fr. Cajes’ administration when CKC worked with the research team from the City Government of Calbayog in 2008.

THE CKC DIRECTORS and PRESIDENTS (1905-present)

1. Fr. Gregorio Tabar, 1905-1910

2. Msgr. Pablo Singzon, 1910-1919

3. Sofronio Hacbang, 1919-1924

4. Fr. Gabriel Baquero, CM, 1924-1926

5. Msgr. Sofio Mandia, 1928 – First Filipino Diocesan Priest Director

6. Fr. Gregorio Ouano (no date specified)

7. Msgr. Vicente Figueroa (no date specified)

8. A certain Fr. Caintic (no date specified)

9. Fr. Alejandro Froilan (no date specified)

10. Msgr. Basilio Rosales ‘Basiling” y Ras, 1938-1950

11. Fr. Domingo Palomino, 1950-1951

12. Fr. Antonio Luto, 1951-1952

13. Fr. David Wyrzykowski, OFM, 1952-1957 – First American Franciscan Director

14. Fr. Humphrey Tobias, OFM, 1957-1963

15. Fr. Benignus Herman, OFM, 1963-1969 (In March 1968, Fr. Herman went to US

for a vacation. This time, Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM, served as Interim Director)

16. Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM (Interim Director), March 1968-June 1969

17. Fr. Hugh Zurat, OFM, June 1969-1973

18. Fr. Laurian Janicki, OFM

19. Fr. Ramon Isaac, OFM, 1975-1976 – First Filipino Franciscan Director

20. Fr. Gabriel Bertos, OFM, 1976-1979

21. Fr. Rodrigo P. San Jose, OFM, 1979-1985

22. Fr. Marcelo Tubac, OFM, 1985-1996

23. Fr. Rodrigo San Jose, OFM, 1996-2004

24. Fr. Prisco A. Cajes, OFM, 2004-Present

Establishment of Selected Educational Institutions in Region 8

Below is a list of selected reputable Educational Institutions in Eastern Visayas Region. From this, it can be gleaned that CKC is the ‘oldest’ academic institution in the region, not just the pioneering Catholic Educational Institution.

Old Name	Year Established*	Current Name	Current Status/Type
Colegio Catolico	1905	Christ the King College (Calbayog City)	Private College (sectarian)
Leyte Provincial School	1907	Eastern Visayas State University (Tacloban City)	State University
Samar Trade School	1912	Samar State University (Catbalogan, City)	State University
Catarman Farm School	1918	University of Eastern Philippines (Catarman, Northern Samar)	State University
Leyte Chinese School	1919	Leyte Progressive High School, (Tacloban City, Leyte)	Private, non-sectarian Institution (Secondary)
Divine Word University	1927	Liceo del Verbo Divino (Tacloban City, Leyte)	Private Catholic University
St. Michael Junior College	1946	St. Michael Academy (Catarman, Northern Samar)	Private High school (sectarian)
St. Francis Educational Institute	1963	St. Francis College (Allen, Northern Samar)	Private College (sectarian)
Borongan National High School	1969	Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (Borongan, Samar)	Public High School
UP College Tacloban	1973	UP in the Visayas Tacloban College (Tacloban City, Leyte)	National University
UP Institute of Health Sciences	1976	UP Manila School of Health Sciences (Palo, Leyte)	National University
Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Vocational School	1982	Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology (Calbayog City, Samar)	State College

*Year of Establishments of these schools were taken from Wikipedia.net

HIGHLIGHTS

August 1, 1905 Paulist Fathers Gregorio Tabar and Fernando Sainz arrived in

Calbayog

September 10, 1905 Inauguration of the only Catholic School in Samar and Leyte:

the COLEGIO CATOLICO.

1910 COLEGIO CATOLICO was renamed as COLEGIO DE SEMINARIO DE

CALBAYOG by Most Reverend Pablo Singzon.

April 7, 1911 Colegio de Seminario de Calbayog was incorporated in the University of

Santo Tomas

December 11, 1952 Franciscan Fathers David Wyrzykowski, OFM, and Leopold

Niedzwiecki, OFM, arrived in Calbayog

1953 Friars transferred residence from the Bishop’s Palace to a rented hospital building.

1954 The Franciscan community increased with the arrival of Frs. George

Dubowski, Michael Lacienski, and Bro. Victorian Wisniewski.

DASCAFF was organized for the purpose of acquiring and buying land for the proposed administration and school building.

1955 The new administration and school building was completed.

Another building was constructed which served as living quarters for the friars and aspirants.

October 30, 1955 CSVP was renamed CHRIST THE KING COLLEGE.

1956 Frs. Humphrey Tobias, Flavian Nowatarski, and Bro. Dominic Figura, join the Franciscans.

1957 Construction of Christ the King Monastery begun. Fr. George Dubowski

was appointed Superior while Fr. Tobias as Director of the college.

Fathers Eugene Kwiatkowski and Neal Kaminski arrived.

1958 Fathers Terrence Pinkowski, Bro. Laurian Wegner and Bro Tom Kamenski arrived in

Calbayog.

1959 Last year of co-education in the high school department. Fr. Julian Arent

arrived on February 4^th while Fathers Pacific Linowski and Cantius J. Kobak arrived on August 19^th.

1961 Padua Technical Arts Building and Library was dedicated on May 18^th.

1972 Fire consumed the Main Building

1975 Fr. Ramon Isaac, OFM became director

1976 Commerce course was offered

1979 Fr. Rodrigo P. San Jose, OFM became director

The Julio Cardinal Rosales Technical Education Center was inaugurated

1980-81 The Elementary Department was transferred to its new and beautiful location at Brgy. Dagum

1981-82 Law course was offered

1982-83 Graduate School opened

1991 Accountancy course was offered

1996-97 Institute of Health and Allied Programs (for midwifery & Nursing Aide) were offered

1998-99 Computer Science was offered

2000 The Professional Regulation Commission issued a list of 174 Catholic Colleges and Universities with high passing marks in between the years 1994-1998, CKC ranked 39^th place.

2002 CKC’s 50^th Anniversary (1952-2002. Fifty Years as CKC)

New Chapel inaugurated

2003 Nursing course was offered

September 13, 2004 – around 11:00pm, the CKC Friary was razed by fire and its estimated damage amounted to more than seven million pesos.

2005 CKC celebrated First Centennial Year (From its establishment in 1905 as Colegio Catolico)

Received a plaque of recognition from the Catholic Educational Association in the Philippines.

2007 Our Lady of Porziuncula Hospital, Inc. inaugurated

ENDNOTES

1. Kobak, Fr. Cantius J. (OFM.). “History of Christ the King College and Franciscan Mission.” Written on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, 1962 in Christ the King College Franciscan Friars: 1952-1962. Calbayog, Samar, Philippines.

In this particular article, I quote the following:

“In the place of the Franciscans, the Paulist Fathers were then chosen to direct and administer the Colegio Catolico….” (the first sentence in the 7^th paragraph of the article)

1. The term ‘principales” appeared in ‘Calbayog,’a Coffee-table Book of Calbayog City. City Government of Calbayog.

In Fr. Kobak’s article, he wrote ‘a group of prominent men….’

1. Kobak, Fr. Cantius J. (OFM.). “History of Christ the King College and Franciscan Mission.” Written on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, 1962 in Christ the King College Franciscan Friars: 1952-1962. Calbayog, Samar, Philippines.

Fr. Kobak was quoted: “Bishop Hendrick arrived… and on March 6, 1904 took possession of the Diocese of Cebu.” He got this information from this source: Los PP. Paules, “Biografias de Los Ilmos. Y Rdmos. Sres. Obispos,” Resena Historica del Seminario-Colegio de San Carlos de Cebu – 1867-1917. Manila, M.C. McCullough & Co., Inc., 1917, pp. 87-90.

1. Ibid
2. Ibid
3. Ibid
4. Ibid
5. ‘Calbayog,’a Coffee-table Book of Calbayog City. City Government of Calbayog.
6. Kobak, Fr. Cantius J. (OFM.). “History of Christ the King College and Franciscan Mission.” Written on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, 1962 in Christ the King College Franciscan Friars: 1952-1962. Calbayog, Samar, Philippines.
7. Ibid
8. Ibid
9. ‘Calbayog,’a Coffee-table Book of Calbayog City. City Government of Calbayog.
10. Ibid
11. Kobak, Fr. Cantius J. (OFM). “Part II: Preliminaries to the Assumption BVM Mission Foundation in Samar, Philippines. Mid-Year 1951.”
12. Luczak, Thomas (OFM). “On the Occasion of the 50^th Golden Anniversary Celebration of Christ the King College November 24, 2002”. 50 Years: 1952-2002 Golden Anniversary “Forward Christ the King College for Calbayog and Samar” souvenir program.
13. Kobak, Fr. Cantius J. (OFM). “Part I: Inspirations which led Cantius J. Kobak, OFM to the Assumption BVM Mission Foundation in Samar, Philippines.”
14. Luczak, Thomas (OFM). “On the Occasion of the 50^th Golden Anniversary Celebration of Christ the King College November 24, 2002”. 50 Years: 1952-2002 Golden Anniversary “Forward Christ the King College for Calbayog and Samar” souvenir program.
15. Ibid
16. Cruz, Tita de la Y. “History of Christ the King College of Calbayog City, Incorporated (1952-2002)”. 50 Years: 1952-2002 Golden Anniversary “Forward Christ the King College for Calbayog and Samar” souvenir program.
17. Ibid.
18. Luczak, Thomas (OFM). “On the Occasion of the 50^th Golden Anniversary Celebration of Christ the King College November 24, 2002”. 50 Years: 1952-2002 Golden Anniversary “Forward Christ the King College for Calbayog and Samar” souvenir program.
19. Kobak, Fr. Cantius J. (OFM). “Colegio de San Vicente de Paulo en Calbayog, Samar – Ano 1952”
20. Ibid
21. Luczak, Thomas (OFM). “On the Occasion of the 50^th Golden Anniversary Celebration of Christ the King College November 24, 2002”. 50 Years: 1952-2002 Golden Anniversary “Forward Christ the King College for Calbayog and Samar” souvenir program.
22. Cruz, Tita de la Y. “History of Christ the King College of Calbayog City, Incorporated (1952-2002)”. 50 Years: 1952-2002 Golden Anniversary “Forward Christ the King College for Calbayog and Samar” souvenir program.
23. Ibid
24. Kobak, Fr. Cantius J. (OFM). “Part II: Preliminaries to the Assumption BVM Mission Foundation in Samar, Philippines. Mid-Year 1951.”

OTHER REFERENCES

Catalan, Alejandro T. “Making of Calbayog Diocese”. Prolepsis: CKC Journal of Researches and Articles. June-October 2006. Vol. II No. 1

Centennial Souvenir Program, Christ the King College (Colegio de San Vicente de Paul) Calbayog City (1905-2005)

Christ the King College. Administration Newsletter. ”Christ the King College of Calbayog City, Samar: 75 Years Old!.” December 1980. Volume 3, No. 1.

Christ the King College Franciscan Friars, 1952-1962. (Bound by Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM, in 1964)

“Christ the King College: The Pioneer Catholic Educational Institution of Samar and Leyte.” F1 Section, Schools, Colleges and Universities Bulletin. Manila Bulletin. Friday, June 29, 2007.

City Government of Calbayog. Calbayog: A Coffee-table Book. 2008

King’s Herald, Official Student Publication of the High School Department, Christ the King College. Vol. X No. 10 June-September 2004.

Kobak, Cantius J. (OFM). “Preliminary Attempt at A Brief History of the Assumption BVM Province’s Mission Foundation on Samar Island Philippine Islands: 1952-1970”. (Fr. Kobak wrote this Recollection in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 15-March 1 2002). (Unpublished)

Luczak, Thomas (OFM). “On the Occasion of the 50^th Golden Anniversary Celebration of Christ the King College November 24, 2002”. 50 Years: 1952-2002 Golden Anniversary “Forward Christ the King College for Calbayog and Samar” souvenir program.

Santos, Pio O. “Brief History of Christ the King College.” Prolepsis: CKC Journal of Scientific Researches and Articles. Oct. 2005-March 2006. Vol. 1 No. 1.

Scepter Issues. Scepter, the Official Student Publication of Christ the King College.